Essential CrossFit Gear

Arm yourself for one of the most intense workouts you'll ever have.

The Wikipedia definition of CrossFit states that this workout brand ‘combines weightlifting, sprinting, and gymnastics.’ Seems easy enough, right? We decided to see what CrossFit had to offer, and had our asses handed to us on a silver barbell. Our hour at CrossFit NYC showed us that this type of workout is exactly what we should be doing if we want an exercise that will cover our weight training needs, aerobic conditioning and our flexibility goals.

Plenty of men and women spend hours at the gym, with mixed results. The average CrossFit workout is about 20 minutes long; it’s all based on high-intensity intervals. Olympic-style lifting is punctuated by sprints around the gym or the block, followed by kettlebell movements, followed by more sprints or stair running. Very little rest between activities means that you’ll be nauseous by the end of it. A one-hour class includes lifting technique lessons and flexibility conditioning.

We asked Josh Newman, Co-Founder of CrossFit NYC, about gear and apparel. Here are some items to consider.

The Wikipedia definition of CrossFit states that this workout brand ‘combines weightlifting, sprinting, and gymnastics.’ Seems easy enough, right? We decided to see what CrossFit had to offer, and had our asses handed to us on a silver barbell. Our hour at CrossFit NYC showed us that this type of workout is exactly what we should be doing if we want an exercise that will cover our weight training needs, aerobic conditioning and our flexibility goals.

Plenty of men and women spend hours at the gym, with mixed results. The average CrossFit workout is about 20 minutes long; it’s all based on high-intensity intervals. Olympic-style lifting is punctuated by sprints around the gym or the block, followed by kettlebell movements, followed by more sprints or stair running. Very little rest between activities means that you’ll be nauseous by the end of it. A one-hour class includes lifting technique lessons and flexibility conditioning.

We asked Josh Newman, Co-Founder of CrossFit NYC, about gear and apparel. Here are some items to consider.

Inov-8 F-Lite Series - $115

Before you embark on your new CrossFit obsession, consider ditching the traditional overly cushioned athletic shoes. “Doing squats in a pair of squishy-heeled shoes designed for running is potentially dangerous and needlessly hard work,” says Josh.

Reebok CrossFit Flex Nano - $119.99

Adidas AdiPure Trainer - $90

Rogue Fitness Wrist Wraps - $12-$18

Lots of CrossFit fans are familiar with Rogue Fitness, an industry standout for workout gear and fitness equipment. We like their wrist wraps for those Olympic lifts you’ll be doing during your next WOD.

Tabata Smartphone App - $1.99

If you want to add in sets of CrossFit-related high-intensity interval training when you’re working out on your own time, try the Tabata method, which requires 20 seconds of ultra-intense exercise (about 170% of VO2 max) followed by 10 seconds of rest, for 4 minutes or 8 rounds. Do this with exercises that use large groups of muscles like push ups or front squats. You will need a good Tabata stopwatch app.